McDowell in Highland County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
McDowell Presbyterian Church
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 17, 2023
1. McDowell Presbyterian Church Marker
This congregation, first known as Central Union Church, was organized in 1822. The present brick sanctuary, an interpretation of the Greek Revival style, replaced an earlier structure ca. 1856. The entrance on the building's south side was likely for the use of free and enslaved African Americans, who worshiped from the balcony. During the Battle of McDowell on 8 May 1862, the church served as a hospital. Union and Confederate dead were reportedly buried in the congregation's cemetery across present-day Route 250. The church is listed on the American Presbyterian and Reformed Historic Sites Registry, the Virginia Landmarks Register, and the National Register of Historic Places.
Erected 2021 by Virginia Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number W-112.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Religion & Religious Structures • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 8, 1862.
Location. 38° 19.913′ N, 79° 29.338′ W. Marker is in McDowell, Virginia, in Highland County. It is on Bullpasture River Road (Virginia Route
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, in the Alleghany Highlands, and specifically in the Potomac Highlands. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Church and Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); Battle of McDowell (within shouting distance of this marker); McDowell VA - May 8, 1862 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Guns of Cemetery Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away); Felix Hull House (approx. Ό mile away); a different marker also named Battle of McDowell (approx. Ό mile away); Highway To War (approx. Ό mile away); The Mansion House (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in McDowell.
Other markers no longer nearby. Village of McDowell (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Battle Of McDowell (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Battle of McDowell (was approx. Ό mile away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Highway to War (was approx. Ό mile away but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 17, 2023
2. McDowell Presbyterian Church Marker
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 14, 2017
3. McDowell Presbyterian Church
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 14, 2017
4. Church Cemetery Located Across Route 250
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 17, 2023
5. Plaque at Church Front Entrance
No. 233
Registered by the Presbyterian Historical Society Philadelphia, Pa.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2023, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 454 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 6, 2023, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
